Apparently, even I don't own Starfox Command

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I remember reading the crappy, unoriginal books years ago -- and playing the game, which was certainly better than both the movie and narratives combined. Its case wasn't exactly dusty when I took the cart out again today, but it had been untouched for years. Playing was nostalgic in its own right; its proven how far action games on the DS have gone in 2 years.

My Review:

Movie games suck. We've all learned to accept this. The recent release of Speed Racer DS has maybe altered the thoughts of handheld movie games, but SR: DS is probably one of two exceptions to the rule. The other is Eragon.

It's not a definitive title, but Eragon does manage to succeed in certain areas. As an action title for the Nintendo DS, it's actually on the decent side of things.

The gameplay is what save this game from running into the ground. Spells are fun and used frequently, and X and Y are used for melee combat -- L and the touch screen for ranged. While on the easier side of difficulties, the learning curve is immediate, but the combat is not necessarily shallow; while button mashing is an option, it will only get you so far. The enemies are all relatively similar; most of them are big orcs with AI's that tell them, if they see you, run up and either get killed or kill. The library of opposition is pretty cliche and generic, but later on in the game you will fight some new enemies (ie, bosses; though most of them are just bigger versions of the normal enemies, there are interesting fights).

The graphics are decent. The game runs fully in 3D, but characters are faceless and enemies have lines for eyes. There are 2D 'dogfights (rather dragonfights)' that the player can unlock, as well as a special mode where you can communicate with Saphira; the latter's graphics look nice, but for the most part how the game looks is unimpressive.

The soundtrack is the same from the movie.

The comic book **** approach is akin to that of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, but don't be fooled. The game's plot unwrapped horribly, and the cutscenes were few and far between. If you liked and understood the movie, then you'll understand what's going on, but may be upset with the game's horrible presentation.

As a Nintendo DS action adventure game, Eragon is decent -- if you can get it cheap. It has problems and most of it is mediocre, but the gameplay offers a fun experience on occasion. If you're looking for a title that utilizes the touch screen or something with an interesting storyline -- this isn't the game for you.

http://www.vgchartz.com/games/game.php?id=17391

A Ninja Gaiden only selling 80,000 units? Sucks. Worst of all is that in Japan, a serial killer was caught with a copy in his bag — the media's labeling it as "that evil Ninja Gaiden game." Man, everybody likes it, even Japanese serial killers, but did Team Ninja's homeland really have to screw us humble gamers in North America?

My review (AA);

It's ironic that Itagaki just announced he will not be working on any more Ninja Gaiden games, because Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is one of the top action games known to handhelds - arguably only topped by Chains of Olympus. With fierce, fast and intuitively designed gameplay brought onto the 2D powerhouse known as the Nintendo DS, players of all skill levels will be able to enjoy Dragon Sword.

The story is well worth paying attention to, featuring beautiful manga-styl*ed cutscenes - a different take on the Ninja Gaiden series, but definitely not a bad one. The black spider clan and the fiends are at it again, this time teaming up on the Hayabusa clan for the power of the dark dragonstones, the eye of the dragon and the dragon blade. The too-frequently visited word dragon reminded me of Eragon, but the plot played out well and some memorable characters made their imprint on Ninja Gaiden.

Dragon Sword's gripping music and intense sound effects complimented the concept of the game well, and Ryu Hayabusa's voice actor returns to the scene with as much vigor as in the Xbox version.

There is one aspect of the game, however, that even the most biased critics have been forced to note; the gameplay of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is purely amazing. If Team Ninja had released it before the Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, it would have been revolutionary. All offensive moves are controlled 100% stylus, while to block press any button (excluding start). The learning curve is quick and the basics are easily imprinted into your mind, but developing strategies for certain rooms/enemies is mandatory for any gamers looking to beat Master Ninja (ex; against a horde of weaker opposition, jumping into the air, shooting a projectile and then using repeated flying swallow attacks is the easiest route, whereas against two tough/slow powerhouses, using the Izuna Drop on each one in turns is the most effective). It may take a few minutes to get used to, and there are only a few combos (a Link-sty*led circle slash would have been nice, or an air dodge), but Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword's control scheme and relentless opposition make the title a must-have for DS owners. The game is easy on normal mode, and it does take a lot out of the enjoyment, so speed through normal the first time through and then embark on the epic journey once more.

Unfortunately, there are few unlockables (you can unlock all of the cutscenes in the story, which is nice) and the only Wifi capability is the flawed Leader Board system - All of the leaders are up to 9999999, which is frustrating to gamers who don't cheat.

Despite that, an action game of this caliber is likely a once in a generation deal (for the DS - how many devs will spend 2 years on a DS game, especially after how badly in sales Dragon Sword did?), so don't miss out. You'll be stringing combos together for over 20 hours to complete Dragon Sword.

http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/ninjagaidendragonsword/player_review.html?id=573944

I've been playing this game for almost a week now, attempting to unlock everything from Probotector to Super C — not just because its fun, but because I've heard that if you complete Contra 4 the resale value goes way up on ebay. If true, that's the greatest way to make small change ever.

My review (AAA);

Browsing through other player reviews on gamespot, it's hard not to chuckle at the number of 1's given to Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS. Every last one complains (in CAPS) of Contra 4's extremely hard difficulty. So if you're reading this, hopefully you know by now that the first three Contra's were as hardcore as it gets, and 4 (the next game on the official Konami timeline) is no exception. [casual gamers, avoid]

Contra 4 is your basic 2D platforming "run and gun" type game. You can jump, run, and shoot. Simple, yet the toughest game to conquer on the Nintendo DS right now. The actual 'campaign' mode isn't much different from previous games; in fact, the music, bosses, levels and drone enemies were mostly ripped from older Contras, which just may ruin it for veteran players (or create a nostalgic state).

Crush missles are just one type of numerous sorts of weapons available.

Despite the simple concept, however, Contra 4's learning curve is not immediate. Later boss levels, 3D missions and the ocean level offer different tactics and sometimes controls, which makes the game much more interesting. New weapons affect the game largely (the default weapon sucks, which forces players to constantly be on the lookout for better weapons), and the variety is entertaining. Multiplayer requires two carts, but if you find a friend with a DS and a Contra 4, an entire new experience awaits.

The bonus features are the real meat of the game, however. Fun, short missions with varying goals - and excellent rewards. Contra 4 is, in most forms, an arcade game on the DS; it's fun to be able to simply pick it up and go through the Challenge Levels again (beat the game on easy to unlock the challenge levels).

The music is great; another success of a soundtrack from Vert.

Overall, a rewarding game and some of the best $16 I've ever spent. If 2D platforming isn't your thing - or you're more casual about gaming - I'd suggest you avoid this; but if you're anyone else, this is an excellent buy. I wouldn't be surprised to see more 2D platformers come out on the DS, or Contra 5 making its appearance on the NDS in the next couple of years.